Janet Yang makes history as first Asian president of film organization that hosts the Oscars

Film and TV producer Janet Yang has been elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

With her election, she became the first Asian and only the fourth woman to be elected as president of the film organization since its establishment in 1927.

The 66-year-old Hollywood veteran, whose film and TV credits include “The Joy Luck Club,”
“The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Shanghai Calling” and “High Crimes,” was elected by the organization’s Board of Governors during a meeting on Tuesday. The Board also voted several other officers into key roles.

Yang, who is of Chinese descent, is set to start her first term as president and her second term as a Governor-at-Large. As prescribed by the Academy’s bylaws, presidents are elected for one-year terms and cannot be elected for more than four consecutive terms.

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“Janet is a tremendously dedicated and strategic leader who has an incredible record of service at the Academy,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer was quoted as saying. “I am thrilled that she is taking on the esteemed role of Academy President and look forward to working closely with her on our shared vision to serve our membership, celebrate the collaborative arts and sciences of motion pictures, and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.”

Yang has been an active member of the Academy’s Producers Branch since 2002. She recently served on the Board as vice president and chair of the Membership Committee.

She currently co-chairs the Academy’s Asian Affinity Group.

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In June, Yang was also honored by the Academy Museum with the unveiling of one of the museum’s pillars in her name.

The Academy, which is an international organization for filmmakers, is known around the world for its annual Academy Awards, also known as the "Oscars."

Featured Image via AsiaSocietyHK

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